Be on the Lookout: Inmate escapes from downtown Houston court

Thursday, February 28, 2019
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Police are looking for an inmate that escaped custody from a downtown Houston facility on Thursday.

Efrain Gutierrez, 38, was attending court at the Juvenile Justice Center located at 1200 Congress. He was last seen in a red pickup truck just before noon.

According to authorities, Gutierrez slipped out of his handcuffs.
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Gutierrez was due in court on theft, drug possession, aggregate theft and evading charges. Police say his most recent charge stems from a robbery at Kohls on Feb. 5. The co-defendant in that case, Erika Jalitt, says Gutierrez also left the Kohls in a red pickup truck.

Gutierrez has 20 convictions for theft, drugs, robbery, evading arrest and burglary of a vehicle.

A previous aggravated theft charge stems from 2018, when police said Gutierrez allegedly stole more than $10,000 worth of merchandise from Deerbrook Mall, including 612 pairs of women's underwear.

RELATED: Man accused of stealing 612 pairs of panties from Victoria's Secret in Deerbrook Mall

A loss prevention officer at the Victoria's Secret store reportedly spotted him swipe 61 pairs of panties off a display table, put them in a bag and walk out the door.
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Gutierrez lives in the Humble area.



If you see Gutierrez, do not approach him. Authorities say to call police.
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